With the recent ruling against the exemption for yeshiva bochurim from being drafted to the army, tensions are running high in Eretz Yisroel at yeshivos across the country. As chassidim, it is worthwhile to explore the Rebbe’s view on the subject.
Soup and Noodles Wasn’t What the Alter Rebbe’s Had In Mind
Reb Yosef Yitzchok of Avrutch, son of the Tzemach Tzedek and son-in-law of Reb Yaakov Yisroel of Tcherkas, settled in Horonsteipel and visited Lubavitch from time to time. When he asked his father on one visit why in Chabad they didn’t say all the zemiros, his father had a strong response.
“Where is the Jewish Bravery, the Jewish Flag?!”
In a heartfelt letter to Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Frierdiker Rebbe describes the tragedies that occurred on Tisha B’Av throughout Jewish history, and how once again the Jewish people are being tested by those pretending to be their friends.
‘Thank You’ Is Nice, But What’s Really Needed is Appreciation
As a Rebbi, I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful students and their supportive families. However, there’s a common misunderstanding I’ve noticed among many parents: the difference between simply saying “thank you” and really appreciating what Rebbis do.
‘Eretz Yisroel is the Safest Place’: Is That Still True?
It is well known what the Rebbe said, especially during the Gulf War, that Eretz Yisroel is the safest place in the world. Is this promise subject to conditions? Is it applicable today? Alaska Shliach Rabbi Yosef Greenberg addresses the question.
There Are Some Common Misconceptions About Teachers
From the Anash.org Inbox: In response to a recent article from the Rebbe about teachers being paid like professionals and a commenter questioning the need for a raise in teachers’ pay today, a melamed addresses some common misconceptions about teachers.
Teachers Should Be Paid on Level with Businesspeople
From the Anash.org Inbox: I’ve been following the discussion about teachers in our mosdos, and I feel like I must add in my input – which is actually just the Rebbe’s words: teachers’ salaries must be equal to their businessmen peers for the success of our children’s chinuch.
The Devoted Chossid Who Wasn’t ‘Mekushar’
A devoted gabbai of the Rebbe Rashab and the Frierdiker Rebbe, Reb Chonye Morozov was accused by some as not being ‘mekushar‘ enough. But when he explained his definition of hiskashrus, the tables were turned.
We Need Not Have a False Sense of Protection or Dread
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Being armed from without shouldn’t give us a false sense of protection, and being threatened from without shouldn’t give us a false sense of dread. We have it within ourselves to connect with Hashem and overcome any and all obstacles.
How Do We Deal with the Situation Today?
From the Anash.org Inbox: In recent months, there has been a move to introduce various religious items and prayer in public schools. Should Jews be getting involved? This question was the subject of a debate between the Rebbe and R’ Moshe Feinstein 60 years ago.
The Chossid Who Was Nicknamed ‘The Cold Firebrand’
Amongst the intellectual giants of Chabad, R. Chaim Ber Vilensky stands out as an independent thinker and a silent leader. Though he rarely shared his thoughts and feelings, his inner world was very much alive, leading Chassidim to nickname him “The Cold Firebrand.”
They ‘Got Us’ When We Were Tormented
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Chassidim have always had those who “pursued” us, mocking us for our ways. But “bein hametzarim,” when Yidden in Russia were engulfed in aguish and the Chassidim stood out with pure and relentless mesiras nefesh, that’s when “all our pursuers” began to grasp and understand our ways.
Chabad Yeshivos Publish Thousands of Pages of Chidushei Torah
Marking 30 years to Gimmel Tammuz, many kovtzei he’aros were printed by Yeshivos worldwide with articles from the respective Rabbanim, Bachurim, Anash, accumulating over 2,500 printed pages of chidushei Torah. Now available online.
We All Have Double Standards
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: When it comes to learning Torah or engaging in certain challenging matters of Yiddishkeit, we sometimes justify ourselves by saying, “I don’t have the brains/time/energy for such difficult subjects,” or, “It’s totally out of character for me to get involved.” Justifications indeed. Until we prove ourselves wrong.
‘The World is Deteriorating, He Will Be Very Successful’
When Reb Shlomo Zalman, the Rebbe of Chabad-Kopust, heard that bochurim in Tomchei Temimim learn four hours of Chassidus daily, he was surprised. But later he admitted that the Rebbe Rashab was right, “The world is deteriorating by the hour, and he will be very successful.”
‘Schneerson! We Have Guests’: How the Arrest Apartment Returned to Chabad
After close to 100 years that the Frierdiker Rebbe‘s Leningrad apartment lay in foreign hands, Julien Cohen, researched government archival files and diaries of chassidim to pinpoint and purchase the apartment where the Frierdiker Rebbe lived, was arrested, and returned to when he was liberated.
‘Global Initiatives’ Make Us Feel Like We’re Changing the World
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: “You can change the whole world,” can lead us to think that our focus in life should be global initiatives. “Don’t concern yourselves with the entire world!” the Rebbe once screamed. A Yid’s responsibility is to follow what Hashem says, and that’s the way to make a true global difference.
Why a Chossid Should Hang in the Rebbe’s Window Display
Not a common jokester as some imagine, Reb Shmuel Munkes was one of the towering chassidim of the Alter Rebbe who often used jest to communicate profound ideas. Suspending himself in front of the Rebbe’s home, he taught an important lesson.
The Rebbe’s Glasses are Now Available
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Give a man an insight and you teach him for a day. Give a man perspective and you teach him for a lifetime. One of the major gifts from the Rebbe to the world is not only his own vision but the ability for us to have Rebbe-vision
‘If So, I Would Rather Stay In Prison!’
After suffering in prison for over a year for not sending his children to secular schools, Reb Yisroel Nevler was released. But when he saw his daughter heading for the door with a knapsack, he threatened to go back there.